Why is Neymar benched for Brazil vs Japan in FIFA World Cup 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Neymar was named among the substitutes in the Brazil vs Japan match tonight.
Brazil take on Japan in their Round of 32 clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on June 29. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti named a strong starting lineup to face the Samurai Blue, but Neymar was not named among the starters.
Rather than start the Santos forward, Ancelotti opted to play Bournemouth youngster Rayan on the right flank. He is accompanied by Vinicius Jr on the left, with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha starting in the middle.
The trio will have to carry the attacking burden for the Selecao, who will undoubtedly face a stern test from Japan. The Group C champions are heavy favourites to win the clash as they chase an unprecedented sixth World Cup title.
Also Read: Japan starting lineup vs Brazil confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Why is Neymar not playing?
The 34-year-old forward came into the tournament with a grade two calf strain. He did not play at all in the first two group-stage games for the Selecao, with reports suggesting that the staff were protecting him for the knockout stages.
The hopes that he could play from the beginning against Japan were strengthened when he came off the bench late in the previous match against Scotland, which Brazil won 3-0. Ahead of the match, the head coach indicated that the talismanic forward was fully fit and ready to play, and the player himself looked good during his short cameo.
However, it seems like he has not recovered enough to be able to start a match or play the entire 90 minutes. Instead, he will likely come off the bench at some point in the second half as an impact substitute.
He remains the Selecao’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals. He has a terrific record against the Samurai Blue, scoring nine goals in just five matches – his best goalscoring record against any international side.
Why is Neymar benched for Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 clash?
He is on the bench because he is still recovering from a grade two calf strain and is not fit enough to start or play the full 90 minutes.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.